An iced drinks company backed by The Journal’s Let’s Grow fund is targeting massive growth after investment in new equipment allowed them increase output by 500%.

Ashington’s Polar Krush has seen unprecedented levels of growth in the past 12 months and it is looking forward to further expansion as it prepares for a full factory refit, a recruitment drive and a variety of new product launches, including a sugar free option.

Last year Polar Krush received a £180,000 grant from the Let’s Grow programme, part of the Government’s Regional Growth Fund which is operated by BE Group in partnership with UNW LLP, The Journal and The Gazette, towards the investment project.

The new factory will be unveiled in June and will also welcome local school groups behind the scenes with the aim of helping local children to better understand how a large business works.

Established in 1998, Polar Krush has grown into a national brand, which serves more than 15m cups each year in the UK and has a growing export market. Customers include cinemas, bowling alleys, leisure centres, ice rinks, food courts, holiday and theme parks, shopping centres, schools and independent retailers.

Founder Paul Goldfinch said: “This is a really exciting time for the team at Polar Krush.

“Over the next 12 months we will be creating more jobs, investing in the wealth of local talent and expertise as well as developing our national and international brand, which already has a loyal cult following.”

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Polar Krush has benefited from the recent “staycation” trend with people taking holidays in the UK and buying their products. In 2016 the company grew sales in the UK by 62% and has created 20 new jobs in the past two years.

With its products now selling well in Europe, the company is now eyeing growth in the Middle East.

Mr Goldfinch said: “We have been supplying iced drinks in the UK for almost 20 years and we have always prided ourselves on creating a range that is made with natural flavours and natural colours, offering a customers a refreshing experience with none of the nasties.